“I trust so, indeed,” said Elfric, “they deserve death.”
“I would it were in my power to inflict it; but this accursed monk—I go mad when I mention his name—is all too powerful. I believe Satan helps him.”
“Still there may be ways, if you only wait till you can look around you.”
“There may indeed.”
“Only have patience; all will be in your hands some day.”
“And if it be in my power I will restore the worship of Woden and Thor, and burn every monk’s nest in the land.”
“They were at least the gods of warriors.”
“Elfric, you will stand by me, will you not?”
“With my life.”
“Come to the window, now; see the old sots departing. There a priest, there a thane, there an earl—all drunk, I do believe; don’t you think so?”